Firmicus and the thema mundi: An Inquiry into Mathesis III, 1
Firmicus and the thema mundi: An Inquiry into Mathesis III, 1

Summary/Abstract: There is little doubt that Firmicus’ Matheseos libri octo constitute one of the most important testimonies of ancient astrological thought. Looking back to the tradition established by Teucrus and reflected in the first century poem of Manilius, the Astronomica, this lengthy composition is a goldmine of data concerning ancient planetary astrology. Apart from these, it provides valuable testimony on the standing of astrology in Firmicus’ world1, or on the cultural issues related to the perception and the status of Roman history, Greco-Roman literature, and, last but not least, on philosophical currents at work in the senatorial Rome of the fourth century AD. Dedicated to Mavortius Lollianus, the Mathesis displays something of antiquarian flavor and bears no trace of the contempt for pagan inventions so striking in the de errore, this latter circumstance motivating the generally accepted assumption that its composition preceded Firmicus’ conversion to Christianity.

• Details
• Contents